This leading child development text has been widely acclaimed for its international coverage and its rigorous research-based approach. It begins by introducing the ways in which psychologists study developmental processes before going on to consider all major aspects of development from conception through to adolescence. For the fourth edition, the entire text has been updated to take account of developments in the field. Major revisions include: a new chapter on prenatal development and birth coverage of a range of theoretical perspectives - from evolutionary developmental psychology to cultural-ecological and social-constructionist viewpoints extensive new material on developments in attachment theory extended discussion of implications of the social contexts of learning for cognition and education. Each chapter provides lucid discussion of the material, enlivened by the inclusion of revealing case studies, and ideas for classroom discussion. Throughout the text the practical and applied implications of developmental research are emphasized and discussed. Useful online support material, including multiple choice questions, to accompany this text is available.